American Pregnancy Association » Getting Pregnanthttp://americanpregnancy.org
Promoting Pregnancy WellnessFri, 31 Jul 2015 23:53:34 +0000en-UShourly1Pregnancy Symptom Alternativeshttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnancy-symptom-alternatives/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnancy-symptom-alternatives/#commentsWed, 24 Jun 2015 17:47:37 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=12779Before you make any assumptions about your pregnancy-like symptoms, you may want to know about all of the other causes of those symptoms unrelated to pregnancy.

Am I pregnant? This is a common question for those who are trying to conceive and for those who are concerned about experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. You may be experiencing some symptoms and wonder if they could be signs of pregnancy.

It can be difficult to determine whether or not your symptoms are related to pregnancy. The first problem is that the first signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman. The second challenge is that not every symptom is experienced during each pregnancy. However, the biggest challenge is that the symptoms of pregnancy can also have causes other than pregnancy.

Alternatives to the First Signs of Pregnancy

The American Pregnancy Association looked at the most commonly reported first signs of pregnancy and identified some of the most commonly experienced causes of these symptoms apart from pregnancy:

Missed Period

A missed period is the most commonly reported first sign of pregnancy.

However, this symptom is one of the easiest to explain away with another cause, which could be any of the following:

Frequent Urination: Some alternative explanations include urinary tract infections and diabetes, both of which would warrant consulting your primary care physician regarding treatment. Other potential causes include an increase in liquid intake or the use of diuretics.

Spotting: Spotting or light bleeding could be caused by pending menstruation, altered menstruation, change in hormonal birth control, infection, or an abrasion from intercourse.

Darkening of Areolas: This pregnancy symptom has fewer alternative causes. However, it could be the result of a hormonal imbalance or the residual effects of a previous pregnancy.

Your Next Steps

As you can see, each of the signs of pregnancy can be explained by other causes. If you are experiencing pregnancy symptoms, it is best to wait until you miss your period before taking a pregnancy test.

Here are some recommended next steps if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of pregnancy noted above:

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnancy-symptom-alternatives/feed/0Pregnancy After Vasectomyhttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnancy-after-vasectomy/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnancy-after-vasectomy/#commentsFri, 17 Oct 2014 21:27:47 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=9954Although a vasectomy is one of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy, many people often consider pregnancy after the procedure.

Getting Pregnant After a Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a procedure that many married couples choose as a form of birth control. This is a procedure similar to a tubal ligation for women where the reproductive tubes are severed and tied off. It is commonly referred to as “having your tubes tied.”

A vasectomy is a procedure in which the vas deferens is severed and tied off, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. This is performed as a permanent form of birth control, which leads some to ask if pregnancy after vasectomy is possible.

Is it Possible?

A vasectomy is one of the best ways to prevent pregnancy, with rates of pregnancy around 1/1,000 after the first year, and between 2-10/1,000 after five years.Most reports indicate that following a vasectomy a couple has a less than 1% chance of getting pregnant.

However, it is recommended to have an analysis of a semen specimen after vasectomy (SSAV) to determine the success of the procedure before ceasing to use alternative methods of contraception. Although the possibility of becoming pregnant following a vasectomy is low, the possibility is still there. If your partner is experiencing pregnancy symptoms, she may consider taking a pregnancy test.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnancy-after-vasectomy/feed/0Track Ovulation with Irregular Periodshttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/track-ovulation-irregular-periods/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/track-ovulation-irregular-periods/#commentsFri, 17 Oct 2014 16:44:26 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=9946Many woman have difficulty tracking their ovulation when having irregular periods. Learn more about how to track your ovulation even if your irregular.

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How do you track ovulation with irregular periods? This question is more common than you might think. Irregular periods create a challenge in tracking ovulation and knowing when the best time is to have sex in order to get pregnant.

The good news is that tracking ovulation with irregular periods is possible. You can even track your ovulation with a decent amount of precision. Knowing when ovulation occurs usually creates a sense of confidence for those who are trying to conceive.

Charting Your Cycle – Even though your cycle is irregular, it is good to track it on a calendar for a few reasons. First, you may notice a pattern that can provide insight regarding your cycle. Count the number of days in your cycle (the number of days in between the first day of one period and the first day of the next period).

Continue this for several months to determine, on average, how many days are in your cycle. Second, if you experience fertility problems, the data from your tracking efforts is valuable information to share with your gynecologist or fertility specialist.

Cervical Mucus – Your cervical mucus changes the closer you are to ovulation. Cervical mucus during the first few days after your menstrual cycle will be dry. Your cervical mucus will then begin to increase. It may initially appear sticky, gummy, creamy, or lotion. The closer you are to ovulation, it will appear will be slippery, clear or yellowish, and stretchy. Many women compare the consistency to that of egg whites.

Basal Body Temperatures – Your body temperature fluctuates with the onset of ovulation. If you are tracking your basal body temperature, you will see a spike in temperature after ovulation has occurred. This can be helpful in letting you know whether or not you are even ovulating.

Keep in mind that tracking your basal body temperature alone is not an effective method of birth control because the spike in temperature occurs after ovulation. However, charting your temperature, along with your cervical mucus and other fertility signs can be effective for contraception.

Tracking Ovulation With Irregular Periods: Ovulation Predictor Kits

Some people find it cumbersome to manually track ovulation with irregular periods. Another option would be to use an ovulation predictor kit or fertility monitor. An ovulation predictor kit detects an increase in the luteinizing hormone (LH) and lets you know when you are about to ovulate. While the luteinizing hormone (LH) is consistently detected in your urine, it increases 24 to 48 hours prior to ovulation.

Unfortunately, because it may be difficult to determine when your window of ovulation is with irregular periods, particularly if you have a longer cycle, you will probably have to do more testing month to month.

If you have long or irregular cycles, it is best to wait to begin testing until you notice your cervical fluid start to become wet. Also, because these tests only detect the LH hormone prior to ovulation, they are not able to confirm whether ovulation has occurred if taken after ovulation.

As ovulation predictor kits help identify when you are about to ovulate, you should record these dates on your calendar. Whether you look for patterns on the calendar or not, the information will be helpful for a fertility specialist if you find yourself encountering problems when trying to conceive.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/track-ovulation-irregular-periods/feed/0Can You Get Pregnant With Precum?http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/can-you-get-pregnant-with-precum/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/can-you-get-pregnant-with-precum/#commentsThu, 21 Aug 2014 15:58:46 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=9172Many people question whether or not if pre-ejaculate or "precum" can get someone pregnant. Learn the truth on if that is actually a possibility.

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There are a number of situations related to intercourse that leave people with questions. Can you get pregnant with precum (pre-ejaculate fluid)? Can you get pregnant without penetration? Can you get pregnant from grinding? These are just a few of the questions people ask as they engage in sex or other acts of intimacy.

Can You Get Pregnant with Precum?

Precum is more accurately known as pre-ejaculate. This is a bodily fluid that seeps out of the penis during intercourse. Most men don’t even notice it, and more importantly, they do not have any control over it. While it was originally thought that pre-ejaculate contained sperm, further investigation revealed that the majority of pre-ejaculate fluid had dead or no sperm at all.

However, it is possible for small amounts of sperm to exit your reproductive system and make its way into the precut. So, can you get pregnant with precum? Well, generally-speaking, the answer is no. However, there are rare cases in which living sperm can be present in precum, making conception possible.

Can You Get Pregnant Without Penetration?

This is a question commonly asked by teenagers who are experimenting with intimacy and want to avoid pregnancy. Some wish to wait to have sex until marriage but look to be intimate with their partner in other ways.

For all practical purposes, you cannot get pregnant without penetration. However, there are some rare exceptions. For conception to occur, all it takes is for semen to come in contact with the vaginal canal. If ejaculation occurs and semen comes in contact with the vaginal canal, conception can occur even without penetration. This is rather unlikely, but it is remotely possible.

Can You Get Pregnant From Grinding?

Similar to intimacy without penetration, grinding is a form of intimacy that involves going through the motions of having sex without penetration. Grinding can occur fully dressed, nude, or more frequently in underwear. Getting pregnant while grinding is highly unlikely.

There is very little chance of conception, particularly if you are fully clothed. The chances, although still slim, go up when you grind while in underwear and even more so if you grind while nude.

As noted above, for conception to be a possibility, sperm has to come in contact with the vaginal canal. If you are grinding in underwear, there is a slight chance that semen could seep through the underwear and gain access to the vagina. This is unlikely but possible.

The chances of conception go up even further if you are grinding in the nude. Without clothes or underwear, there is less preventing the semen from reaching the vagina. While it is unlikely to become pregnant from this, there is still a possibility.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/can-you-get-pregnant-with-precum/feed/0Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period?http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/can-get-pregnant-period/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/can-get-pregnant-period/#commentsThu, 21 Aug 2014 15:00:07 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=9163Looking to uncover whether or not if you can get pregnant while on your period? The question is asked all of the time. Learn the facts here.

A common question, whether you are trying to get pregnant or not, is if you can get pregnant while on your period. Similarly, many people ask if can you get pregnant right before or after your period. You are not alone if you have these questions.

Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period?

The question of whether you can get pregnant while on your period or not is probably the most common of the three situations noted above. The answer is yes and no. Apart from being more messy and less desirable, having sex during your period is unlikely to result in pregnancy. More than likely, your ovulation is several days away, decreasing any chances of conceiving during this time.

However, there are exceptions. The above applies for women who have typical 28 to 30 day or longer cycles. If you happen to have a shorter cycle, there is a chance you could get pregnant from having sex during your period.

If your cycle is shorter, for example every 21 to 24 days, this means you ovulate earlier in your cycle. Sperm can live inside you for up to 5 days. As such, if you have sex towards the end of your period, you could conceive 4 or 5 days later due to your early ovulation.

The probabilities of getting pregnant while on your period are low, but the possibility is there, particularly for those with shorter cycles. Nonetheless, this is not the most effective time to have sex if you are trying to get pregnant.

Can You Get Pregnant Right After Your Period?

Yes, you can get pregnant right after your period. At this point, you are actually starting to move into your fertility window. On a typical cycle that occurs every 28 to 30 days, the fertility window is usually between Day 11 and Day 21. As noted above, sperm can live up to 5 days. If your period lasts for 5 to 7 days, and you have sex right after that, you are approaching your fertility window.

If you stop bleeding on Day 6, have sex on Day 7, and ovulate on Day 11, it is possible that the sperm from Day 6 will be waiting in your fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg. Of course, your chances of conceiving right after your period increase with each day after your bleeding has stopped.

If you are trying to conceive, this is a good time to start having sex. Increase your chances of conception by having sex every other day during your window of ovulation.

Can You Get Pregnant Right Before Your Period?

The likelihood of getting pregnant right before your period is extremely low. For women who have a typical cycle of 28 to 30 days or longer and their cycles are regular, it is fairly safe to say that ovulation occurred between Day 11 and Day 21.

The egg is only available for 12 to 24 hours for conception. This would mean that the days right before your period are the safest for having sex without the expectation of getting pregnant.

If you know when ovulation occurred, and you wait 36 to 48 hours later, then you should be beyond the potential time-frame during which conception could occur. The further you move away from ovulation, the less likely your chance will be for conceiving. This is not the time to be having sex if you are trying to conceive. However, it is still a good time to enjoy the intimacy with your partner.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/can-get-pregnant-period/feed/0Pregnanthttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnant/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnant/#commentsWed, 24 Jul 2013 17:53:08 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=5498“Pregnant.” This may just be the word you are looking for. You may be trying to get pregnant or perhaps you are wondering if you...

“Pregnant.” This may just be the word you are looking for. You may be trying to get pregnant or perhaps you are wondering if you could be pregnant. You may be feeling a variety of emotions regarding the possibility of pregnancy. Know that you are not alone.

Getting Pregnant

Getting pregnant is tied to ovulation and having intercourse at the appropriate time. You can use our Free Ovulation Calendar to try and determine when ovulation is occurring. With the average 28 to 30 day cycle, ovulation usually occurs between day 11 and day 21 of your cycle. Please note when you ovulate during this window may vary from month to month.

The simplest way to get pregnant is to have intercourse every other day of your cycle starting from day 10 through day 20. There is no need to have sex every day because sperm can live from 2 to 5 days in the woman’s body. However, fresh healthy sperm every other day will increase your chances of conceiving. You can read more about ovulation and preconception health for women to make getting pregnant easier.

Am I Pregnant?

There are six million pregnancies annually throughout the United States. If you think you may be pregnant, there are several symptoms you could look for. However, taking a pregnancy test is the primary way to determine if pregnancy has occurred.

Pregnant Symptoms

The first symptom of pregnancy to look for is a missed period. Other pregnancy symptoms to look for include lower backache, headaches, and spotting. Spotting can reflect the light bleeding that may occur with implantation (when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall).

Other signs of pregnancy include tender or swollen breasts, cramping, nausea, dizziness, and increased urination. Keep in mind that while these symptoms are common in pregnancy, they can be caused by other things as well. If you are experiencing these pregnant signs, you may consider taking a pregnancy test if you have not already done so.

It is recommended to wait at least until you have missed your period to take a pregnancy test. Because it takes time for the pregnancy hormone to get high enough to show up on a test, it is recommended to wait at least until you miss your period to take a pregnancy test. Otherwise you could get a false negative.

Pregnant: Sharing the News

Perhaps you received a positive result on a pregnancy test or had a doctor confirm your pregnancy. Now you may wonder how to tell your partner you are pregnant. You may feel concerned about his reaction but also wanting to think of creative ways to let your significant other know. Here are a few ideas:

Lay the positive pregnancy test in a place where only your partner will find it.

Place a pregnancy magazine on the coffee table.

Ask him what he wants for father’s day.

Let your imagination run wild. There is no “right” way to share the news with your partner. You can always enlist a friend or colleague to help pull off a bigger surprise. Just remember, this is big news. His reaction might reflect excitement, denial, or shock. Don’t let these reactions determine your interpretation of how he feels.

What about telling friends, family, or the office? The timing is yours. Again, there is no one right way to do this. You can enlist creative ways to do this as well. This is your pregnancy and you can have fun with what you share, how you share it, and when you share it.

Being Pregnant

Many people want to know what it is like being pregnant. For some women, being pregnant is miserable with strong bouts of pregnancy symptoms. Other women report amazing experiences as they go through the whole journey. You should note that the majority of people are going to fall somewhere in between.
Being pregnant varies from woman to woman, and in some cases even pregnancy to pregnancy. You can expect your body and emotions to change while being pregnant. The hormones bring changes in your body to prepare for your developing baby. These include changes to your breasts, circulatory system, and pelvic area.

This newsletter will follow you through your pregnancy providing you with information about the following:

Your developing baby

Your changing body

Things to plan for

Tips for a healthy pregnancy

Tips for your partner’s support

Pregnancy comes with discomforts, but it also comes with one of the greatest experiences of your life – having a baby. During your journey, we are here to help you have the healthiest pregnancy and healthiest baby possible. Feel free to explore the website, get prenatal care, and enjoy this pregnancy.

The American Pregnancy Association is committed to promoting healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnant/feed/0Maternity Insurancehttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/maternity-insurance/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/maternity-insurance/#commentsThu, 27 Jun 2013 18:19:35 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=5290Maternity insurance which is sometimes called pregnancy insurance is an effective way to save money on prenatal care, and other costs associated with birth.

Why get pregnancy Insurance?

Pregnancy insurance is one of the best ways to minimize the expenses that will come with your prenatal care and the hospital stay when you give birth. If you don’t have maternity insurance, you can anticipate spending around $10,000-$12,000. In 2011, the average cost of labor and delivery in a hospital was $10,657. This cost can increase dramatically if there are any complications.

Having bills pile up is stressful, which is not good for you or your baby. Thus, it is important to take care of your health and prepare for the baby without adding to financial pressures. Getting maternity insurance is one way to alleviate stress. Money which originally would have been spent on prenatal care and birth expenses can now be directed towards the other needs you and your baby have.

How to Get Maternity Insurance?

Under the Affordable Care Act, there have been many changes regarding health insurance, including pregnancy insurance. All qualified health plans (both within and outside of the Marketplace) are now required to provide maternity care and childbirth health benefits.

Prior to the Affordable Care Act, only a handful of insurance plans automatically provided maternity coverage. For some plans, such coverage had to be requested as an addition. Also, if a woman tried to apply for maternity coverage after she became pregnant, coverage was oftentimes either unavailable or more expensive.

Fortunately, now pregnancy coverage is much more accessible. If you do not have medical coverage through an employer, Medicaid, or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), you can find an insurance plan through the Marketplace. For more information on getting health coverage through the Marketplace, visit www.healthcare.gov.

If you already have health insurance, it is important to know if your plan is grandfathered or not. Grandfathered insurance plans are those that were in place on March 23, 2010 and have not been significantly altered to affect consumer benefits or the cost of insurance to consumers.

Individual grandfathered plans that you purchase yourself (not job-based grandfathered plans) are not obligated to provide maternity and childbirth benefits. If your plan is grandfathered, contact your insurance company to determine what coverage you have.

If you do not have coverage through the Marketplace or an employer, another option would be to apply for Medicaid and/or CHIP to cover maternity and childbirth health benefits. Eligibility is based on income requirements, which vary by state and are different for Medicaid and CHIP.

Also, several states have broadened their income requirements. As such, even if you did not qualify previously, you may now be eligible. You can also apply for these programs at any point during the year.

Whether or not you get pregnancy insurance, you may also want to consider lower-cost options such as using a midwife or giving birth at a birth center. This can significantly reduce labor and delivery costs. Birth centers oftentimes offer payment plans, sliding scales, and accept Medicaid. Another option would be to look into a health care discount program for pregnancy coverage.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/maternity-insurance/feed/0OV-Watch Fertility Predictorhttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/ov-watch-fertility-predictor/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/ov-watch-fertility-predictor/#commentsFri, 18 Jan 2013 18:51:31 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=4562Using the OV-watch Fertility Predictor can help you find the most fertile days you have and help your with conception. Learn more about the OV-Watch.

]]>You may find it unappealing to track your basal body temperature and cervical mucus on a daily basis, but you still want to know when you are ovulating in order to maximize your chances of getting pregnant. While the OV-Watch Fertility Predictor is no longer available, you may consider using an ovulation predictor kit if you have been trying to conceive for a few months without success.

Ovulation tests detect a surge in the luteinizing hormone (LH), which occurs a day or two before ovulation. This can be helpful to know when to time having sex. However, there are a few words of caution when it comes to ovulation tests:

While ovulation tests detect a surge in the LH hormone, they cannot confirm whether ovulation actually takes place a day or two later. In some cases, women may have a surge in the LH hormone, but an egg is not released. This is known as Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUFS).

Ovulation tests are only accurate when taken around ovulation. Ovulation kits oftentimes only come with about a week’s worth of tests, which may not be enough to cover the time frame during which you could ovulate. Even further, it may be more difficult to know when to begin taking ovulation tests for women who have irregular cycles. As such, it is best to wait to being testing until you notice fertile-quality cervical mucus.

Some women experience false LH surges during which the luteinizing hormone has small peaks before it fully peaks. This could lead to you to time intercourse too early. Such false LH surges are common in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

If you have used ovulation predictor kits for a couple months and are still having difficulty conceiving, you may consider charting your basal body temperature and cervical mucus either exclusively or in combination with ovulation predictor kits. Your body provides valuable insight into your fertility. An awareness of these signs can promote your efforts to conceive.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/ov-watch-fertility-predictor/feed/0Cervical Mucus and Your Fertilityhttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/cervical-mucus/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/cervical-mucus/#commentsSat, 19 Jan 2013 06:30:13 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=4558If you participate in any of the many TTC (trying to conceive) forums or message boards on the Internet, you have undoubtedly run across the...

If you participate in any of the many TTC (trying to conceive) forums or message boards on the Internet, you have undoubtedly run across the following terms: cervical mucus (CM), egg white cervical mucus (EWCM), and fertile-quality cervical mucus. Cervical mucus certainly gets plenty of attention in TTC circles, and for good reason.

Cervical mucus plays a fundamental role in the TTC process by nourishing and protecting sperm as it makes the long, arduous journey through the female reproductive tract to meet the egg. So, as you become more familiar with your cervical mucus, you will be able to better time having sex in order to conceive.

In simple terms, cervical mucus is a fluid secreted by the cervix, the production of which is stimulated by the hormone estrogen. Throughout your menstrual cycle, the amount and quality of cervical mucus that is produced fluctuates, and by observing these changes you can begin to predict the most fertile days in your cycle.

As you approach ovulation, your estrogen levels begin to surge, which causes your cervix to secrete more cervical mucus that is of a so-called “fertile quality”. This fertile-quality cervical mucus, also known as egg white cervical mucus (EWCM), is clear and stretchy, similar to the consistency of egg whites, and is the perfect protective medium for sperm in terms of texture and pH.

Having enough egg white cervical mucus during your fertile window actually improves your chances of conceiving. And, by noticing when your body is producing egg white cervical mucus, you will be able to identify your most fertile days.

The most accurate way to identify changes in your cervical mucus is to collect and observe a sample of mucus on a daily basis. To do this, wash and dry your hands well, then insert your middle or index finger into your vagina, getting as close to your cervix as possible.

You may also notice cervical mucus when you use toilet paper to wipe. You can use either method (checking at your cervix or when you wipe); just make sure you are consistent in using the same method each day.

Remove your finger and observe the consistency of the mucus sample by rolling the mucus between your thumb and finger, pressing your fingers together, and then slowly moving them apart.

The following information describes the typical progression of the cervical mucus quantity and quality you can expect to see as you move through your menstrual cycle:

After your menstrual period: The production of cervical mucus is at its lowest immediately following your period, and some women report “dryness” during this time. But, over the next several days, more mucus will become present, and it will likely be yellow, cloudy, or white in color, and somewhat sticky the touch.

As Your Ovulation Date Approaches: As you enter your fertile window, your cervical mucus will increase in quantity and moistness. Its color may be cream-like in appearance.

At the Time of Ovulation: In the days immediately preceding ovulation, the production of cervical mucus will be at its highest and the consistency and color of the mucus will be similar to egg whites. Once you detect the presence of this fertile-quality cervical mucus, you will know you are in your most fertile days.

After Ovulation: After ovulation, the quantity of cervical mucus begins to decline and become thicker in consistency.

Unfortunately, after tracking changes in your cervical mucus, you might find that you really don’t produce very much fertile-quality cervical mucus around the time of ovulation. Or, you might even realize that the cervical mucus you produce is “hostile”, meaning it is thick and sticky, instead of thin and stretchy around ovulation.

Either condition can hinder your reproductive efforts by making it difficult for sperm to travel efficiently and safely to the fallopian tube to meet the egg for fertilization.

Insufficient production of fertile quality cervical mucus or the presence of hostile cervical mucus may result from a variety of factors including diet, stress, hormonal issues, or even from taking prescription medications like Clomid.

If you notice that you are not producing a significant amount of cervical mucus during your fertile time of month, or that it is not “fertile quality” in nature, you might find the following suggestions helpful for improving your quantity and quality of cervical mucus.

First and foremost, staying properly hydrated is very important, so be sure to drink plenty of water. Secondly, taking FertileCM, a dietary supplement designed to increase cervical mucus production and tone the lining of the uterus, can enhance your trying-to-conceive efforts.

And finally, while you work to improve your cervical mucus production, consider using a sperm-friendly lubricant like PreSeed. This product features a pH and consistency that is similar to egg white cervical mucus and can be used during intercourse to help as many sperm as possible survive the journey through your reproductive tract.

These products are all available at Fairhaven Health, a leading provider of natural, doctor-designed products to help couples conceive.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/cervical-mucus/feed/0Determining Your Fertility Windowhttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/fertility-window/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/fertility-window/#commentsFri, 18 Jan 2013 18:10:46 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=4552If you are new to the trying to conceive (TTC) world, you are probably learning more than you ever thought you would need to know...

If you are new to the trying to conceive (TTC) world, you are probably learning more than you ever thought you would need to know about how your reproductive system works. Things like how long sperm can survive inside the female reproductive tract or how long an egg is viable after it is released from the ovary may have once seemed trivial or inconsequential, but this information takes on a deeper significance now that you are actively trying to conceive.

As you may already know, in order for conception to take place, at least one healthy and vigorous sperm must be waiting in the fallopian tube at the moment ovulation occurs, and must be able to fertilize the egg within 12-24 hours of the egg being released from the ovary.

Since sperm can only live for a maximum of 5 days in the female reproductive tract and only a small number of sperm will even survive the long journey through the female reproductive tract, trying to conceive couples should plan to have intercourse a number of times in the days just prior to ovulation.

To do this means you must be able to predict when you will ovulate, a task that is sometimes more difficult than you might think. Fortunately, for those of us who need help, there are several reliable ways to predict when your most fertile days will occur during each cycle.

Before we embark on a discussion of how to pinpoint your fertile window, it might be helpful to briefly review the stages of your menstrual cycle, as hormonal changes that occur during the different phases set the stage for ovulation and provide clues as to when ovulation is coming.

In the first several days of the menstrual cycle (called the follicular phase), certain hormones, specifically follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), begin the maturation process of follicles (the sacs that hold the egg) in the ovaries. In the second week of your cycle, FSH levels begin to decline and a single dominant follicle continues to develop.

This growing follicle produces increasing amounts of estrogen, which initiates the ovulatory phase. Estrogen plays a key role in the ovulatory process and helps to prepare the body for pregnancy. This hormone helps build the lining of the endometrium, facilitates the secretion of fertile-quality cervical mucus (which helps to protect and transport sperm through the reproductive tract) and triggers the production of the luteinizing hormone (LH).

By paying close attention to how your body responds to increasing estrogen in the first couple weeks of your menstrual cycle, you can begin to predict ovulation. For example, many women know ovulation is just around the corner when they see an increase in production of fertile-quality cervical mucus.

Tools for predicting ovulation

Modern technology has provided present day TTCers with several reliable and convenient tools for predicting ovulation. Here is a brief introduction to some of the available tests and devices that can be used to help you pinpoint your fertile window.

Ovulation Kits (OPKs) are a popular method for predicting ovulation. OPKs detect the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. In many women, the amount of LH in the body surges approximately 12-36 hours before ovulation occurs. By testing with OPKs, you can identify this LH surge, which allows you to know that ovulation is just around the corner and that you are in your fertile window.

Ovulation Microscopes or saliva ferning scopes, allow women to identify their most fertile days by observing the visual changes that take place in saliva throughout the monthly cycle. Just prior to ovulation, women experience an “estrogen surge,” and a distinct fern-like pattern in the saliva becomes visible under the microscope due to increased estrogen levels.

Because the estrogen surge typically precedes the luteinizing hormone surge (luteinizing hormone is the hormone detected by urine-based ovulation tests), ovulation microscopes can often provide more advanced notice of ovulation, giving trying to conceive women more time to appropriately plan their “baby dancing”.

Electronic fertility monitors, like the OvaCue, provide a higher degree of accuracy and more advanced warning of impending ovulation than other ovulation prediction methods. The OvaCue fertility monitor is a hand-held electronic monitor with a color screen, a spoon-sized oral sensor and a vaginal sensor. A mobile version of the OvaCue monitor is now available so that users can track their fertility directly on their iphone or other iOS compatible device.

The OvaCue provides 5-7 day advance notice of peak fertility and confirms ovulation by using the patented Electrolyte MethodTM to measure and track changes in the electrolyte levels in the saliva and cervical mucus. As a woman moves through her menstrual cycle, the levels of various hormones circulating in her body go up and down, and these hormonal fluctuations produce changes in the electrolyte characteristics of her saliva and cervical mucus.

Using measurements obtained from the oral and vaginal sensors, the OvaCue produces a numerical reading that reveals the relative trends in electrolyte levels. This allows the OvaCue to identify the hormonal changes that occur during the ovulatory process, thereby allowing it to predict and confirm ovulation. There are a few different electronic fertility monitors available, the OvaCue is manufactured by Fairhaven Health, LLC.

Taking the time and effort to determine your fertile window can help take some of the stress and frustration out of your TTC journey. So, while there are many different ways to predict ovulation, the most important thing is to choose a method that works for you!

You may find it unappealing to track your basal body temperature and cervical mucus on a daily basis, but you still want to know when you are ovulating in order to maximize your chances of getting pregnant. You may consider using an ovulation predictor kit, if you have been trying to conceive for a few months without success.

Ovulation tests are used to determine your fertile days so you can maximize your efforts in trying to conceive. These tests detect a surge in the luteinizing hormone (LH), which occurs a day or two before ovulation. This can be helpful to know when determining the best time to have intercourse.

Most ovulation predictor kits come with a number of tests you can take to determine if ovulation is approaching. Also, although more expensive, some women use fertility monitors so they can track their ovulation month to month.

However, there are a few words of caution when it comes to ovulation tests:

While ovulation tests detect a surge in the LH hormone, they cannot confirm whether ovulation actually takes place a day or two later. In some cases, women may have a surge in the LH hormone, but an egg is not released. This is known as Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUFS).

Ovulation tests are only accurate when taken around ovulation. Ovulation kits typically only come with about a week’s worth of tests, which may not be enough to cover the time frame during which you could ovulate. Furthermore, it may be more difficult to know when to begin taking ovulation tests for women who have irregular cycles. As such, it is best to wait to being testing until you notice fertile-quality cervical mucus.

Some women experience false LH surges during which the luteinizing hormone has small peaks before it fully peaks. This could lead to you to time intercourse too early. Such false LH surges are common in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

While ovulation tests can be relatively inexpensive and effective, it is still money out of your pocket.

If you have used ovulation predictor kits for a few months and are still having difficulty conceiving, you may consider charting your basal body temperature and cervical mucus either exclusively or in combination with ovulation predictor kits. Your body provides valuable insight into your fertility. An awareness of these signs can promote your efforts to conceive. Read more about fertility charting and how it can help you identify your peak fertile days.

Nonetheless, you may prefer the ease of using ovulation tests. These fertility kits and monitors can help take the effort and guess work out of predicting ovulation. Whether you decide to track your ovulation using ovulation tests, natural methods, or both, an awareness of when you ovulate will optimize your chances of conceiving.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/ovulation-tests/feed/0Pregnancy Testshttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnancy-tests/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnancy-tests/#commentsMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:57:42 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=169Pregnancy tests can either be urine or blood tests, but the most commonly used are urine tests. Urine pregnancy tests are accurate, and they carry...

Pregnancy tests can either be urine or blood tests, but the most commonly used are urine tests. Urine pregnancy tests are accurate, and they carry almost the same accuracy as blood pregnancy tests, but they are considerably more economical. Urine tests can be taken in a doctor’s office or in the convenience of your own home.

If you have been sexually active and are experiencing any symptoms of pregnancy, it is recommended that you take one of the many different over the counter pregnancy tests. The American
Pregnancy Association is available to help you in locating a pregnancy test location.

Whether your potential pregnancy is planned or unplanned, you may have many questions regarding pregnancy tests. The good news is the majority of tests carry similar accuracy allowing you to choose between the type of test and the cost.

There are thousands of pregnancy centers across the country that offer testing. If you would like to leverage the free pregnancy tests offered by one of these nonprofit centers, you can contact the APA at 1-800-672-2296.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/pregnancy-tests/feed/0Understanding Ovulationhttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/understanding-ovulation/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/understanding-ovulation/#commentsMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:53:38 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=165What is Ovulation? Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovary, pushed down the fallopian tube, and is available to be fertilized....

What is Ovulation?

Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovary, pushed down the fallopian tube, and is available to be fertilized. Approximately every month an egg will mature within one of your ovaries. As it reaches maturity, the egg is released by the ovary where it enters the fallopian tube to make its way towards waiting sperm and the uterus.

The lining of the uterus has thickened to prepare for the fertilized egg. If no conception occurs, the uterine lining, as well as blood, will be shed. The shedding of an unfertilized egg and the uterine wall is the time of menstruation.

Tracking Ovulation:

A woman’s monthly cycle is measured from the first day of her menstrual period until the first day of her next period. On average, a woman’s cycle normally is between 28-32 days, but some women may have much shorter or much longer cycles.

Ovulation can be calculated by starting with the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) or by calculating 12-16 days from the next expected period. Most women ovulate anywhere between Day 11 – Day 21 of their cycle, counting from the first day of the LMP.

This is what many refer to as the “fertile time” of a woman’s cycle, because sexual intercourse during this time increases the chance of pregnancy. Ovulation can occur at various times during a cycle, and may occur on a different day each month. It is important to track your cycle and fortunately there are a number of free fertility charting tools available to help women identify their peak fertile days.

The Ovulation Cycle Divided into Two Parts:

The first part of the ovulation cycle is called the follicular phase. This phase starts the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) and continues until ovulation. This first half of the cycle can differ greatly for each woman lasting anywhere from 7 days until 40 days.

The second half of the cycle is called the luteal phase and is from the day of ovulation until the next period begins. The luteal phase has a more precise timeline and usually is only 12-16 days from the day of ovulation. This ultimately means that the day of ovulation will determine how long your cycle is.

This also means that outside factors like stress, illness, and disruption of normal routine can throw off your ovulation which then results in changing the time your period will come.

So the old thought that stress can affect your period is only partly true. Stress can affect your ovulation which ultimately determines when your period will come, but stress around the time of an expected period will not make it late—it was already determined when it would come 12-16 days earlier!

Fertility Awareness is one way to track when ovulation occurs, and it includes studying the changes in cervical mucus and using a basal thermometer. Cervical fluid will change to a wet, slippery substance that resembles “egg whites” just before ovulation occurs and until ovulation is over. A basal thermometer helps track a body temperature rise, which signals that ovulation has just occurred.

Once ovulation has occurred, there is nothing you can do to increase your chances of pregnancy. Your next step is to begin watching for early pregnancy symptoms. View and print an Ovulation Calendar to better understand your menstruation cycle and ovulation.

From the Menstrual Period to Ovulation (the details you may not know!)

When your menstrual cycle begins, your estrogen levels are low. Your hypothalamus (which is in charge of maintaining your hormone levels) sends out a message to your pituitary gland which then sends out the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This FSH triggers a few of your follicles to develop into mature eggs. One of these will develop into the dominant follicle, which will release a mature egg and the others will disintegrate.

As the follicles mature they send out another hormone, estrogen. The high levels of estrogen will tell the hypothalamus and pituitary gland that there is a mature egg. A luteinizing hormone (LH) is then released, referred to as your LH surge. The LH surge causes the egg to burst through the ovary wall within 24-36 hours and begin its journey down the fallopian tube for fertilization. Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) work by detecting this LH surge.

The follicle from which the egg was released is called the corpus luteum, and it will release progesterone that helps thicken and prepare the uterine lining for implantation. The corpus luteum will produce progesterone for about 12-16 days (the luteal phase of your cycle.) If an egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum will continue to produce progesterone for a developing pregnancy until the placenta takes over.

You can begin looking for pregnancy symptoms as early as a week after fertilization. You can also begin testing for pregnancy as early as 7-10 days past your ovulation date with an Early Detection Pregnancy Test.
If fertilization does not occur the egg dissolves after 24 hours. At this time your hormone levels will decrease and your uterine lining will begin to shed about 12-16 days from ovulation. This is menstruation (menstrual period) and brings us back to day 1 of your cycle. The journey then begins all over again.

The time of ovulation is one of the most important things a woman should understand about her body, since it is the determining factor in getting pregnant and preventing pregnancy. The process can be confusing and somewhat overwhelming when trying to understand.

The Association recommends using an ovulation kit or fertility monitor to maximize your chances and to confirm when your ovulation is occurring. There are many frequently asked questions about the ovulation process, and the Association has attempted to address those for you.

If you still have further questions regarding ovulation, we encourage you to either talk with your healthcare provider or contact the American Pregnancy Association for more information.

Being informed on what your body does can help you feel more in charge of your health. If you need assistance in tracking ovulation, you can order ovulation kits or ovulation monitors online here: Order an ovulation kit now.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/understanding-ovulation/feed/0Ovulation Kits & Fertility Monitorshttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/ovulation-kits/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/ovulation-kits/#commentsMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:49:24 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=160Discover answers to common questions regarding ovulation tests and fertility monitors, including when and how to use them.

One way to track ovulation is by using an ovulation kit or fertility monitor. If you have been trying to conceive for a few months without success, you may consider using an ovulation kit or fertility monitor to help identify the best time to have intercourse. This will help maximize your chances of getting pregnant.

Ovulation kits and the luteinizing hormone (LH):

While the luteinizing hormone is always present in your urine, it increases 24-48 hours prior to ovulation. This LH surge triggers ovulation, the release of an egg from one of your ovaries. Ovulation is the most fertile time of your cycle.

When is the best time to use ovulation kits?

For some women, it can be difficult to know when to start using ovulation tests, particularly if their cycles are irregular. Also, some ovulation kits only come with about a week’s worth of tests, which may not be enough to cover the window during which you could ovulate. With this in mind, it is best to wait until you start to notice a build-up of fertile-quality cervical mucus before you begin testing.

Most ovulation tests may be used at any time of the day; some suggest testing first thing in the morning, although this is not required. For greater success, test about the same time each day, and reduce your liquid intake for four hours beforehand.

Fertility monitors, such as the OvaCue monitor, can accurately predict ovulation up to 7 days in advance. You can purchase a monitor here. There is also a mobile version of the monitor that allows you to track your fertility directly on your iphone or other iOS compatible device.

How accurate are ovulation tests?

When taken correctly, ovulation tests are approximately 99% accurate in detecting the LH surge that precedes ovulation. However, these tests cannot confirm whether ovulation actually occurs a day or two later. Some women may have a surge in the LH hormone without releasing an egg. This condition is known as Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUFS).

Other women may experience false small peaks in the LH hormone before it fully peaks, commonly seen in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. This could mislead you to time intercourse too early.

What should I do if I have used all the tests and I do not see a surge?

If you have not ovulated during your testing days, you will not have detected the LH surge. It is probable that ovulation has not occurred. At times, women may experience an anovulatory cycle during which an egg is not released. Unfortunately, the best thing to do is to continue testing. It is recommended to wait until you start to see a build-up in cervical mucus to begin testing. That way you don’t have to buy as many tests.

What do I need to do if I have been monitoring my ovulation for several months and pregnancy has not occurred?

First, it is important to remember that it can take normal, healthy couples twelve months to become pregnant. Even if you have had intercourse during your most fertile time, there are many other factors that affect your ability to become pregnant.

Consult your doctor if you have been trying for several months without success. Let your doctor know if you have been using ovulation tests. This will help your doctor better identify what other factors could be affecting your ability to get pregnant.

When is the best time to have intercourse?

The three days immediately after a positive test represent the best time to have intercourse to increase the probability of getting pregnant. Ovulation generally occurs a day or two after the LH surge.

What conditions, drugs, or medications affect the test?

The following conditions may create an inaccurate result in thetests:

If you are pregnant

If you have recently been pregnant

If you have reached menopause

Some prescription drugs such as menotropins for injection (Pergonal®), danazol (Danocrine®), and injections containing hCG (e.g., Profasi or A.P.L.) may affect the result. If you are undergoing therapy with Clomiphene citrate (e.g. Clomid® or Serophene®), please consult with your physician for the appropriate time to begin testing. In most cases, you should start testing 3 days after taking the last tablet.

Do hormonal contraceptives affect the results?

It is important to consult your physician about the best time to get pregnant once you have stopped using contraceptive methods. After using hormonal contraceptives, you may experience an irregular cycle. For many women, it takes at least a few months for menstruation to normalize.

Ideally, it is best to wait until your cycle stabilizes, which will also make it easier to monitor your ovulation. You may wish to wait until you have had two normal periods before starting to use an ovulation kit.

Is it okay to use ovulation tests or fertility monitors as a means of contraception?

It is not recommended to use ovulation tests or fertility monitors as a means of tracking your ovulation in order to avoid pregnancy. Ovulation tests only identify the LH surge up to 24 to 48 hours before ovulation, and sperm can survive in the body up to 3 to 5 days. Therefore, if you have intercourse before you discover the LH surge, the egg could still be fertilized.

How quickly can I determine if I am pregnant?

It is recommended to wait at least until you miss your period before taking a pregnancy test. It takes time for the hCG pregnancy hormone to get high enough to show up on a pregnancy test, so if you test too early, you could get a false negative. Some tests allow you to test up to four days earlier, but the results are less reliable. Order Pregnancy Tests Online

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/ovulation-kits/feed/0Signs of Ovulationhttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/signs-of-ovulation/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/signs-of-ovulation/#commentsMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:36:06 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=150What are the early signs of Ovulation? Discover the clues of the body that let you know when ovulation is occurring.

Signs and Symptoms of Ovulation

The signs of ovulation vary from woman to woman. It is possible that some women will not even experience ovulation symptoms. In addition, the time of ovulation differs for every woman. Some women ovulate like clock work on the same day of their cycle every month, and other women may ovulate on varying days each month.

Narrowing down the window of time when ovulation may occur is the first step to identifying and tracking your ovulation symptoms. Your next step is to pay attention to signs that may indicate that you are ovulating.

Getting pregnant is tied to ovulation, therefore it is important to make sure that you are familiar with ovulation and how it works. Take time now to learn about ovulation, its signs, and how to track it so that you can get pregnant quicker and easier.

If you are trying to conceive, here is the Essential Guide you need for getting pregnant.

Common Signs that Occur in Most Women

Again, it is important to note that ovulation symptoms vary from woman to woman with some women experiencing no symptoms at all.

Change in cervical fluid. Cervical fluid that resembles “egg whites” is a sign that you are near ovulation or are ovulating. Every woman can experience her own type of cervical fluid, and not all cervical fluid looks the same. Ovulation usually takes place on the day a woman has the most amount of wet fluid. There are products available to help improve cervical fluid production if that is an issue.

Change in basal body temperature. For most women, you will see that prior to ovulation, the basal body temperature is rather consistent. As you get closer to ovulation, you may have a slight decline, but it will be followed by a sharp increase after ovulation. The increase in temperature is the sign that ovulation has just occurred. Tracking your basal body temperature accurately over a few months can help you predict when ovulation is going to occur.

Change in cervical position or firmness. The cervix goes through many changes as a woman ovulates. During ovulation, the cervix will be soft, high, open and wet. For most women, it will take some time to be able to differentiate between what their cervix normally feels like and the changes it goes through during ovulation.

These 3 main signs of ovulation can be studied and tracked so that you can accurately predict when you ovulate. The Fertility Awareness Method has helped many women use these signs to prevent or achieve pregnancy.

Secondary Ovulation Symptoms

There are other ovulation signs that women may experience in addition to the 3 main ovulation symptoms. These are called secondary signs and may not happen as consistently, if at all, for many women.

Learning to track your ovulation and pay attention to your signs can be a challenge for some women at first, but over time many women come to recognize these common signs easily and are able to use them to gauge where they are in their cycle. Understanding your ovulation time can help you become more in tune with your body and be an active participant in what occurs each month.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/signs-of-ovulation/feed/0Ovulation Frequently Asked Questionshttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/ovulation-faq/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/ovulation-faq/#commentsMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:32:04 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=146When does ovulation occur? What are symptoms of ovulation? Can I have a period without ovulating? Find answers to these questions and more in this article.

How do I calculate when I am ovulating?

The timing of ovulation is complex and can take some studying of your body and cycles to figure out. By using a combination of methods such as observing your cervical fluid, taking your basal body temperature daily, and tracking your periods, you can better identify your time of ovulation.

The American Pregnancy Association encourages women to learn about the fertility awareness method of tracking cycles and combine that with using ovulation predictor kits to best understand when you are ovulating. The Association estimates that ovulation occurs anywhere between 11-21 days after the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP), or 12-16 days from when you expect the next menstrual period to start. Order a Fertility Kit or Monitor

If you are trying to get pregnant, you may want to download a free copy of the Essential Guide for Getting Pregnant. This ebook has information and tips for getting pregnant quicker and easier.

Don’t women ovulate on the 14th day after their period starts?

Unfortunately this is a myth that many, including healthcare professionals, still believe. The “14th day” thinking appears to come from either taking the average of when all women ovulate or from just dividing the 28 day cycle in half. This is not an accurate way to calculate ovulation because many women do NOT ovulate on the 14th day of their cycle.

The day of ovulation differs from woman to woman and can even be different from month to month for an individual woman. For a woman with a 28 day cycle, the window of ovulation is day 11 through day 21 of your cycle. Ovulation could occur on any one day during this window.

During my ovulation time, how many days am I really fertile?

During your window of ovulation, an egg is only available to be fertilized for about 12-24 hours. But since sperm can live in the body for 3-5 days after sex, and the egg is available for one day, your most fertile time is considered to be about 5-7 days.

Can I ovulate during my period?

The answer to this question depends on what is considered a period. Menstruation or a period is the bleeding that occurs when the endometrium is shed 12 to 16 days after ovulation. With this definition of a period, you cannot ovulate while on your period.

However, some women experience mid-cycle or ovulatory bleeding (bleeding that occurs around ovulation) and may mistake it for a period. This can be seen in some women who have very irregular cycles, maybe coming once every 3 months or 2-3 times in one month, although it can occur in women with regular cycles as well. They may experience what appears to be a period, but, in reality, this is most likely ovulatory bleeding. Ovulation can occur when you experience mid-cycle or ovulatory bleeding.

Keep in mind that while you cannot technically ovulate while on a period, because sperm can live in the body for 3-5 days after sex, pregnancy could occur from intercourse that takes place during a period.

Can I ovulate right after my period?

The answer to this question is determined by how many days are in your cycle. The number of days in your cycle is calculated by counting the number of days from the beginning of one period to the beginning of the next period. If you have a short cycle, for example 21 days, and you bleed for 7 days, then you could ovulate right after your period.

This is because ovulation generally occurs 12-16 days before your next period begins, and this would estimate you ovulating at days 6-10 of your cycle.

Can I get pregnant during my period?

While conception cannot occur while you are on your period, pregnancy can occur from intercourse that takes place during a period. This is because sperm can live in the body for up to five days, and if a woman ovulates soon after her period, then conception could take place from intercourse that occurred during her period. Keep in mind that you can get pregnant while experiencing mid-cycle or ovulatory bleeding. (See above for clarification regarding ovulatory bleeding and menstruation).

Can I ovulate without detecting the stretchy white cervical fluid?

Ovulation can take place even if you do not notice the “stretchy egg-white” fluid that we assume accompanies ovulation. Every woman can experience her own type of cervical fluid. Ovulation is assumed to take place on the day a woman has the most amount of wet fluid. If a woman is not experiencing “egg white” cervical fluid, natural products are available to help increase cervical fluid production.

What does it mean if I have the stretchy cervical fluid on more than one day?

Many women can experience cervical fluid a few days before ovulation actually takes place and can even have it after ovulation has finished. When studying your cervical fluid to determine when you are ovulating, look for the 12-24 hour time-frame with the greatest amount of wet fluid.

This generally occurs around ovulation when an egg is available for fertilization, although intercourse that happens on the few days before this can also result in pregnancy.

If an ovulation predictor test kit says positive, that means that I am for sure ovulating, right?

Ovulation predictor kits determine whether the luteinizing hormone (LH) is detected. The luteinizing hormone (LH) rises right before ovulation occurs. Therefore the kits are supposed to detect whether you’re going to ovulate but cannot ensure that you do ovulate.

Women may have a high level of the LH if they have certain conditions such as polycystic ovaries, premature ovarian failure (POF), or for women over age 40 who are experiencing perimenopause. Also women with Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUFS) may have a surge in the LH hormone without ovulating. Any of these conditions could result in a false positive result on an ovulation predictor test.

What are signs of ovulation?

The signs of ovulation can be any of the following, although many women may only notice one or two of these:

Change in cervical fluid

Change in cervical position and cervical firmness

Brief twinge of pain or dull ache that is felt on one side of the abdomen

Light spotting

Increase in sex drive

Elevated level of the luteinizing hormone which can be detected on an ovulation test

Can a woman ovulate more than once during each cycle?

A woman cannot ovulate more than once during each cycle. Therefore, she cannot get pregnant more than once during a cycle. Multiple ovulation can occur and is when two or more eggs are released in a single cycle.

Both eggs are released during one 24 hour period and are responsible for the birth of fraternal twins. It is believed that this may occur in as many as 5-10% of all cycles but does not result in that many twins due to a type of miscarriage referred to as the “vanishing twin phenomenon.”

Can I ovulate without having a period?

Since a woman releases an egg 12-16 days before her expected period, it is possible for women to get pregnant without having periods. Women who are not menstruating due to a certain condition (i.e. low body weight, breastfeeding, perimenopause, etc…) risk the chance of getting pregnant because ovulation could start again at any point.

If you ovulate and do not start your period a couple weeks later, you may want to take a pregnancy test.

For those who want to conceive, the lack of periods could make it more difficult to know the timing of ovulation if you are not charting your basal temperature and cervical fluid changes. But if you are not having periods and wanting to prevent pregnancy, a form of contraception should be used since there is no way to know when ovulation will occur.

Can I have a period and still not have ovulated?

Having a period does not necessarily mean that ovulation has taken place. Some women may have what is called an anovulatory cycle, (meaning ovulation has not occurred). During an anovulatory cycle, women may experience some bleeding which may appear to be a period, although this is actually not a true period.

This bleeding is caused by either a buildup in the uterine lining that can no longer sustain itself or by a drop in estrogen. The main way to decipher if ovulation is in fact taking place is by tracking your basal body temperature.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/ovulation-faq/feed/0Taking a Pregnancy Testhttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/taking-a-pregnancy-test/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/taking-a-pregnancy-test/#commentsMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:13:03 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=138What do you need to know about taking a pregnancy test? How to understand the difference between various types of pregnancy tests.

]]>
Taking a pregnancy test can be filled with excitement for some people, whereas for others it may be a little intimidating. Before you take a pregnancy test, you might check to see if you are experiencing any pregnancy symptoms. A missed menstrual cycle is the most common symptom leading a woman to take a pregnancy test.

Below are several answers to common questions related to taking a pregnancy test:

How does a test tell if you are pregnant or not?

A pregnancy test detects the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your blood or in your urine. hCG is produced in the placenta shortly after the embryo attaches to the uterine lining and builds up rapidly in your body in the first few days of pregnancy.

How long do I have to wait before I take a test?

Most doctors recommend that you wait until the first day of your missed period before taking a home pregnancy test. A missed period is usually one of the first signs of pregnancy. This is usually around two weeks after conception.

However, some tests are more sensitive than others and can be taken earlier. Concentrations of hCG are reported in milliInternational Units (mIU) or amounts equal to 1/1000th of an IU per milliliter. A pregnancy test with a sensitivity of 20 IU/L is more sensitive than one with 50 IU/L.

A blood test administered by your doctor is more sensitive than the early home tests and can be taken between 7 and 12 days after you conceive. However, it is possible that these tests can be done too early and show a false negative result. If you receive a negative result and still do not start your period, another test should be done.

How accurate are home tests?

Home tests are very accurate (around 97%) when used correctly. Some kits come with two tests because mistakes do happen. If you take a test too early, you may get a false negative (when the test says you are not pregnant but you are).

Your body needs time for the hormone to rise to a high enough level to be detected in a test. If the test comes back negative but you still think you could be pregnant, wait a few days and test again.

False positives (when the test says you’re pregnant but you’re not) are possible, but rare. A positive pregnancy test is a pretty good indication that you are pregnant.

Affordable and accurate pregnancy tests can be purchased online for a fraction of drugstore prices, learn more or watch a demonstration video.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/taking-a-pregnancy-test/feed/0Preconception Nutritionhttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/preconception-nutrition/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/preconception-nutrition/#commentsMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:09:55 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=135Learn about the nutrition that helps you have the healthiest pregnancy. Discover the nutrition that is best for both you and your baby.

Preconception Nutrition for Increasing Your Fertility

Preconception nutrition research has shown that food and healthy nutrition are tied to fertility health in both women and men. Additionally, there are substances that can hinder fertility. If you are trying to get pregnant, you may consider downloading a copy of the Essential Guide for Getting Pregnant. This ebook is an up to date resource for receiving information and tips on getting pregnant quicker and easier.

A Nutrient That Can Benefit Both of You

Oysters contain high levels of zinc – a nutrient that contributes to semen and testosterone production in men, and ovulation and fertility in women. There are several studies that indicate that deficiencies in zinc affect both male and female fertility. Maintaining the recommended dietary allowance of zinc (15 mg a day) can help keep your reproductive system functioning well.

The Nutritional Rule

Maintaining a diet composed of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy products should provide you with the recommended dietary allowance of vitamins and minerals for proper reproductive functioning.

Preconception Nutrition Preparation

Begin making healthy changes 3 months to a year before you conceive. Evidence shows that healthy nutrition and fertility is linked in both men and women. Below is a list of suggestions for healthy nutrition prior to conception:

Folic Acid: The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that women of childbearing age obtain 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folate or folic acid each day. This B vitamin helps reduce a baby’s risk of neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida. If your family has a history of neural tube defects, your doctor may increase your daily intake. Folic acid may be obtained naturally through leafy, dark green vegetables (i.e. spinach), citrus fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and fortified breads and cereals. These foods can be supplemented with a prenatal vitamin which usually contains 800mcg of folic acid.

Calcium: It is recommended that women get at least 1,000 mg (three 8 oz glasses of skim milk) of calcium a day if they are considering getting pregnant. Calcium may be obtained from natural sources such as low-fat yogurt, canned salmon, sardines, rice, and cheese.

Supplements & Vitamins: In addition to a healthy diet, many healthcare providers will encourage you to take supplements to increase the probability that you get all the nutrients you need. NatalSure is one of the many supplements available that will provide the nutrients you need to help achieve conception.

Caffeine: It is important to wean yourself off of caffeine (including chocolate), as research has shown that more than 200-300 milligrams of caffeine per day may reduce fertility by 27 percent. Caffeine also hinders the body’s ability to absorb iron and calcium.

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/preconception-nutrition/feed/0Genetic Counselinghttp://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/genetic-counseling/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/genetic-counseling/#commentsMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:06:53 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=132What is genetic counseling? Genetic counseling is the process of determining the risk you have of passing on an inheritable disease to your baby. Genetic counseling involves...

What is genetic counseling?

Genetic counseling is the process of determining the risk you have of passing on an inheritable disease to your baby. Genetic counseling involves a specially trained health care professional who identifies families at risk, investigates the problem present in the family, interprets information about the disorder, analyzes inheritance patterns and risk of recurrence, and reviews available options with the family.

Who should seek genetic counseling?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 3% of babies born in the United States will have a birth defect. Genetic counseling is not necessary for the majority of couples who are pregnant or planning on getting pregnant.

Genetic counseling should be considered by couples who have one or more of the following risk factors:

The following represents some of the ethnic groups which have a greater chance for certain genetic defects:

Ethnic Group

Genetic Defect

African Americans

Sickle Cell Anemia

Central or Eastern Jews

Tay – Sachs disease

Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern

Thalassemia

What is involved in genetic counseling?

When you are working with a genetic counselor, there are a number of things you should expect. You should start with your blood relatives on both sides to begin creating a comprehensive background on specific diseases and why they occurred. This is probably the most important part of evaluating genetic risks.

To help facilitate this evaluation, a health care professional will probably ask some of the following questions:

Is there a history of genetic disease like cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, or muscular dystrophy?

Is there anyone with a intellectual disability or any kind of birth defect?

Have any of your sisters, cousins, or other relatives had problems with their pregnancies?

Are your parents alive, and are they healthy?

What is your ethnic background?

Is there any reason that you suspect that your baby may be born with a birth defect or other medical problem?

What are genes and chromosomes?

A gene is a segment of DNA that is coded to pass along a certain trait; it has a specific task (i.e., determining the color of your eyes). Genes are the simplest building blocks of heredity. They are grouped together in specific patterns within a person’s chromosomes, forming the unique “blueprint” for every physical and biological characteristic of that person.

Chromosomes are made up of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules. Humans have 46 chromosomes arranged in pairs in every living cell of our bodies. When the egg and sperm join at conception, half of each chromosomal pair is inherited from each parent.

What causes genetic disorders?

Genetic disorders may be caused by of a variety of factors. Genetic disorders may be caused by chromosomal abnormalities. Disorders may also be caused by a single gene.

These may be identified as dominant, recessive, or X-linked disorders:

Dominant Disorders: One gene is defective, and it overrides the normal gene.

Recessive Disorders: Both genes in the pair are defective.

X-linked Disorders: A defective gene is on an X chromosome, which may be recessive or dominant.

The following is a list of potential explanations for birth defects or genetic disorders:

Spontaneous mutation

Errors in cell division

Single gene changes because of environmental exposure to chemicals or radiation

]]>http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/genetic-counseling/feed/0Trying to Conceive After Age 35http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/trying-to-conceive-after-age-35/
http://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/trying-to-conceive-after-age-35/#commentsMon, 23 Apr 2012 17:18:32 +0000http://americanpregnancy.org/?p=125Many women today find themselves trying to conceive after the age of 35. This opportunity can be full of joy and riddled with questions. Despite some challenges,...

Many women today find themselves trying to conceive after the age of 35. This opportunity can be full of joy and riddled with questions. Despite some challenges, many women in their thirties and forties successfully conceive.

What are some of the challenges when trying to conceiving after age 35?

The most common cause of age-related decline in fertility is less frequent ovulation. As women age, they begin to have occasional cycles where an egg is never released. Egg quality and quantity also declines in a woman’s 30s and 40s. While the total number of eggs cannot be increased, research has shown that egg quality can be improved. Supplements containing myo-inositol, folic acid and melatonin have been shown to help improve egg quality and ovarian function.

Other reasons conceiving after 35 may be more difficult include:

Infection or surgery that caused scar tissue around the fallopian tubes or cervix

Miscarriage is also more common in women over 35. This is often caused by the increased incidence of chromosomal abnormalities. Women aged 35-45 have a 20-35 % chance of miscarriage.

How can I increase my chances when trying to conceive after 35?

Trying to conceive after 35 may seem overwhelming, but there are many things you can do to make getting pregnant easier.

Here are some things to remember:

Schedule a pre-conception appointment – You and your health care provider can review your medical history, current medications and overall lifestyle. This gives you the opportunity to address any concerns about trying to conceive after age 35.

Women over age 35 take longer to conceive – The average time it takes a couple over 35 to conceive is 1-2 years, so try to remain positive if you do not become pregnant immediately.

A woman who is physically, mentally and emotionally healthy is more likely to conceive –Alcohol, smoking and caffeine can negatively affect fertility. Being overweight or underweight can also affect fertility by interfering with hormone function.

Observing your fertility signs can tell you a lot about your body – Recording your basal body temperature and cervical fluid can help you pinpoint the best time to have intercourse while trying to conceive. These fertility signs can also reveal if you are ovulating regularly. Becoming familiar with your fertility will also help you determine whether you are experiencing signs and symptoms of pregnancy. – Shop Ovulation Prediction Tools

Consider taking an at home fertility screening test – There are over-the-counter tests that help screen for key elements affecting female and male fertility. This often gives couples peace of mind as they move through the journey to conceive.

Visit your health care provider if you haven’t conceived after 6 months of purposeful intercourse. If you have not conceived after 6 months, contact your health care provider to discuss the possibility of fertility testing. You may decide to consult a fertility specialist at this time.